Pregnancy can be a difficult time for women. Pregnant women experience several physical symptoms and changes in their weight, appearance, emotions, as well as acquire different skin problems.
Medical News Today shared an article about the different skin conditions experienced by pregnant women. This information can help women prepare and cope with these skin conditions.
One of the most common pregnancy skin problems include hyperpigmentation, which refers to dark spots on the skin. It usually happens after birth and appears on the face, cheeks, nose, and forehead.
Another common pregnancy skin problem are stretch marks, which start out as reddish or purplish in color, but eventually become lighter. It usually develops on the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, and thighs.
The next pregnancy problem on the list is PUPPP or pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy. These are red bumps that cause itchy, burning, or stinging sensations and can be relieved by the use of antihistamine or topical corticosteroid.
Skin tags can also occur in pregnant women. They usually develop on the neck, chest, back, groin, and breast area. They usually fade on their own and are nothing to be concerned about.
Pregnant women are also prone to acne breakout. "To treat pregnancy acne, start with self-care: Wash acne-prone areas carefully," shared Mayo Clinic. "Be gentle and use a mild cleanser with lukewarm water in the morning and at night. You might also wash your skin after exercising."
Spider veins and varicose veins might also develop during pregnancy. Spider veins are usually caused by hormonal changes and increased level of blood volume, while varicose veins are caused by the increased pressure on the legs due to weight gain.
There also other less common pregnancy skin problems. Prurigo refers to the small and itchy bumps caused by changes in the immune system. Pemphigoid gestationis refers to blisters on the abdomen or other body parts. Intrahepatic cholestasis refers to severe itching on the palms, soles or trunk of the body without the appearance of rashes.
